Makasi: I am no ‘Ben 10’
The Chairperson of the Central Energy Fund has denied all the allegations leveled against him in a City Press article.
The newspaper reported on Sunday that Luvo Makasi has been ‘calling the shots’ in the Water and Sanitation Department, ordering senior officials around. It further stated he received R35 million in kickbacks for facilitating an IT systems purchase and that he is in a romantic relationship with minister Nomvula Mokonyane.
But Makasi today told journalists the allegations outlined in the report are “false and unfounded”. He also described the claims of a romantic relationship as a “blatant lie intended to defame, malign and discredit both [him] and the Honourable Minister."
Makasi maintains his relationship with Mokoyane has always been professional. He says he worked with her department in his capacity as the director of Boqwana Burns, a law firm providing legal services for a number of water boards.
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It is during these engagements that Makasi suspects he became a target.
According to the City Press report a letter from a whistle-blower, distributed by EFF leader Julius Malema, confirms details of alleged corruption in the Giyani Emergency Water Project. Boqwana Burns was hired to give a legal opinion on the controversial project to Lepelle Northern Water.
But Makasi claims their problems started when his law firm informed Lepelle Northern Water that the Giyani Project was irregular and should be cancelled. “Before that, no one was bothered,” says Makasi.
He further denied all the other allegations. Makasi says he has never been to New York or Iran in his entire life, let alone with Mokonyane. He also insists he has never instructed or ordered around any senior officials in the water affairs department.
Boqwana Burns has already laid a complaint against City Press at the Press Ombudsman. Makasi claims “City Press did not do any less than willfully ignore simple facts that any credible journalist would have considered.” He is also considering legal action. “I shall if deemed necessary take further appropriate action to protect the interest of the Central Energy Fund, Boqwana Burns and myself,” he says.